Microsoft reaches deal to work with BlackBerry

Microsoft reaches deal to work with BlackBerry
…Microsoft Corp.’s corporate messaging and communication technologies are expanding from the personal computer to hand-held devices — and not just those using the company’s own underlying software.

The company has reached an agreement with rival Research in Motion Inc. to let its popular BlackBerry device work in conjunction with Microsoft’s Live Communications Server. Under the arrangement, RIM will offer a BlackBerry program to let corporate users send instant messages and check on the availability of others through Microsoft’s server software.
Separately, Microsoft said it plans to develop its own corporate instant-messaging and communications program for hand-held devices that use the Redmond company’s underlying Windows Mobile software, including Pocket PCs and smart phones…